ABBOTSFORD — The Parole Board of Canada has continued day parole in British Columbia for the man known as the balaclava rapist for another six months while ruling out overnight leave privileges for now.

Larry Takahashi is serving three concurrent life sentences for multiple counts of rape, aggravated sexual assault and other attacks on 23 women in the Edmonton area in the 1970s and 1980s, which he committed while wearing a balaclava.

He spent time at a halfway house in Victoria in 2013, and there was public outcry about him being there after police issued an alert that he was living in the community.

The West Coast College of Massage Therapy ended its relationship with the Salvation Army, which runs the halfway house where Takahashi was staying, after it became known that he received a massage from a female student.

Takahashi was taken back into custody in November 2013 for reasons that were not made public.

The 66-year-old was granted day parole in 2016 and the board has extended it several times, saying in its latest decision on Aug. 3 that he is seeing a psychiatrist, is following his release plan and continues his “slow and steady reintegration.”

However, it did not authorize overnight leave, saying Takahashi has limited community supports in his release area and caution must be exercised given the gravity of his offences.

Takahashi must obey conditions including avoiding alcohol or drugs, not contacting his victims or their families, not accessing pornography and not using a computer or any device with the internet.

The parole board decision says Takahashi has reported feeling lonely, but that he has attended occasional community events on his own and his daily routine includes exercising, going for walks and having coffee alone.

“You do not appear to be experiencing sexual preoccupation at this time and you do not currently articulate an interest in a romantic relationship,” says the decision.

“You have been encouraged to expand your community supports, but you appear reluctant to reach beyond the supports of family and two couples who are your friends.”

Takahashi has not been employed while in the community, but has volunteered for the work experience program at the halfway house where he is staying, it adds.